A Hanson family is temporarily homeless after a fire that started when a pile of sawdust spontaneously burst into flames on the rear deck of the house.

Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr. said the the family reported the fire at 579 Pleasant St. at 2:24 a.m. Tuesday, when the smoke alarms woke them. He said all three adults and three children got out of the house with no injuries.

Two Hanson engine companies and a unit from Halifax were at the scene for three hours. A Pembroke unit covered the Hanson station during the fire.

Thompson said sawdust from interior floor sanding was being stored on the deck. He said the sawdust spontaneously began burning despite chilly overnight temperatures and early morning rain.

Thompson said no firefighters were injured. The house sustained $100,000 in damages, and isn’t habitable.